New Era of Good Feelings? Adams' First City Council Meeting Without Protesters

Instead, the first person to speak in this new Era of Good Feelings during the introductory moments of public testimony was Kristine Akins. She wanted to commend the mayor for helping her small business connect with city officials who could help her as the recession eroded sales.

Not one to miss an opportunity for positive publicity, the mayor interrupted his cheerleader to address reporters in the audience at City Hall. "You should be writing this stuff down, Mark." Adams told Oregonian reporter Mark Larabee. "You too, Matt," he said to Matt Davis of the Mercury. Me? I was hiding.

Anyway, the best part of the exchange was the name of Akins' business: Tree in a Box. Brilliant.